Lottery cash boost for River Eden project (From The Westmorland Gazette)
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Lottery cash boost for River Eden project
8:41am Tuesday 30th October 2012 in Farm & country
By Scott Kirk, Reporter
A PROJECT to encourage the public to enjoy, cherish and defend the River Eden has won the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
Eden Rivers Trust has received £107,000 to help it progress plans to apply for a full grant next year towards the £2.3 million Cherish Eden project.
The project has four themes. These include activities which help local communities look after the river, an apprenticeship scheme for youngsters, a new series of walks and cycle rides in the Eden Valley and a media project called ‘A Day in the Life of the River Eden’.
“This is fantastic news for the Eden Valley,” said Simon Johnson, Eden Rivers Trust director. “The HLF grant will enable us to make full use of the beautiful River Eden so that all can enjoy and help to protect it.
“This will save it for future generations while also providing a variety of community activities and opportunities for volunteers, training and recreation.
“I’m particularly excited the project will be delivered across the entire Eden Valley including rural and urban areas and that we will be creating a number of exciting apprenticeship opportunities for talented young Cumbrians.”
The River Eden is of national and international importance for its wildlife. It also plays a major role in the landscape and the economy.
The first part of the project is called ‘Defend Eden’ and aims to get people actively involved in looking after the river. Examples of activities include removing invasive plants, surveying river wildlife, preventing pollution, protecting river banks and planting trees.
‘Apprentice Eden’ is a partnership between Eden Rivers Trust, Newton Rigg College and other neighbouring rivers trusts. It aims to teach young people about the importance of rivers and will enable them to pursue careers in river conservation.
Wes Johnson, Campus Principal at Newton Rigg College, said: “This new programme will create real opportunities for young people to gather skills, knowledge and qualifications to equip them to make a positive impact in the future of our countryside.”
Several new walks and cycle rides will also be established in the ‘Eden Invaders Trail.’
